Characteristics of an E2 Reaction

E2 reactions are stereo selective, resulting in the formation of trans-double bonds preferably. Some
important characteristics are given below.

 Kinetics:

E2 is a single step elimination, with a single transition state. It is typically undergone by primary
substituted alkyl halides, but is possible with some secondary alkyl halides and other compounds.
The reaction rate is Second order, because it's influenced by both the alkyl halide and the base
(bimolecular).

 Mechanism:

The reaction involves a One-step mechanism in which carbon-hydrogen and carbon-halogen bonds

break to form a double bond (C=C Pi bond).

 Identity of R group:

Alkyl halides undergo elimination via two common mechanisms, known as E2 and E1.In E2, elimination
shows a second order rate law, and occurs in a single concerted step (proton abstraction at C α occurring at
the same time as Cβ-X bond cleavage).

 Strength of the Base:

The base appears in the rate equation, so the rate of the E2 reaction increases as the strength of

the base increases. E2 reactions are generally run with strong negatively charged bases like OH− E2
reactions are generally run with strong, negatively charged bases like OH and OR−.
  Leaving group:

E2 reactions are generally run with strong negatively charged bases like OH− E2 reactions are generally
run with strong, negatively charged bases like OH and OR−. There is a partial breaking of the bond to
the leaving group in the transition state. So, the better the leaving group the faster the E2 reaction.

 Type of solvent:

Polar Protic solvents:
This class of solvents favors SN1 and E1 reactions. It is important to note that SN2 and E2
reactions may occur in this type of solvent. E2 will usually be favored when you have a very strong
base.

Energy profile for E2 reaction

 REFERENCES

 https://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/virttxtjml/alhalrx3.htm
 https://chem.libretexts.org
 https://www.masterorganicchemistry.com/2012/12/04/deciding-sn1sn2e1e2-the-solvent
 https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/31939/e2-reaction-strong-base
 https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-potsdam-organicchemistry/chapter/8-5-
elimination-reactions
 https://byjus.com/chemistry/elimination-reaction